Hi there, Reader!

I've got a quick interviewing pro tip for you. It's a way to ensure you'll be focused on the matter at hand.

Of course, by now we all know that it’s important to eliminate potential distractions when interviewing. That means don’t just silence your phone - put it on Do Not Disturb or, better yet, turn it completely off.

But have you made sure your Smart Watch is also properly silenced?

I’m talking about no notifications, no screens lighting up. The whole shebang.

For my Apple Watch, this means putting it on Theater Mode so the screen doesn’t light up when I raise my arm. It also means putting it on Do Not Disturb so that you don’t get one of those buzz-nudges telling you there’s something you need to look at. You might also switch it to Airplane Mode while you’re tweaking the settings, just to be safe.

(Yes, techies, I know that’s overkill – but for those of us who know enough about our devices to be dangerous, I say, multiple layers of caution are good.)

Why does it matter?

That little tap-tap-buzz on your wrist is enough to take your brain away from the interview. Perhaps just for a split second - but that’s all it takes.

Now you’re thinking about whether your Instacart shopper had to replace an item, or wondering whether your teenager is texting to ask where the Easy Mac is in the pantry, or did your ParkMobile app notify you that your parking session is ending or maybe it was just a notification that your friend completed a fitness or… or... or...

You're gone. Bye! You have left the room. You’re thinking about what that notification was, when what you really need to be doing is formulating a coherent response to a situation-based interview question.

You must be at the top of your game and at the height of focus when a new job is at stake. The last thing you want is to be distracted.

FWIW, this kind of distraction is best avoided anytime it really matters – when driving, crossing the street, on a date, in a meeting – you get the idea.

But when a new job is on the line, distraction is the absolute last thing you need.

So be sure all your notifications are completely silenced.

Not sure you know exactly how to do it? Remove your Smart Watch during the interview. Stuff it in your handbag. Or - even better - leave it in your car. Problem solved.

Got questions? I'm here for you! Reply to this email and ask away.

For more insights, check my blog, or follow me on LinkedIn - I post content there on the reg.

Till next time, friend!

My very best,

Meg McCormick Martin, SHRM-SCP, NCOPE

Member, National Resume Writers' Association​
Voice/Text | 301.578.6550

Want to schedule a conversation? click here!

​HRMeg.com​

​

​

---

​